Syracuse's C.J. Fair looks back at a career filled with victories

Syracuse N.Y. — C.J. Fair came to Syracuse a shy teenager from Baltimore who revered Carmelo Anthony. He will leave the Orange as one of its all-time leading scorers who has amassed an impressive amount of wins during his four-year career.

Fair, one of two Syracuse basketball seniors, is currently lodged in 17th place on SU's scoring ladder. His 1,573 career points are just two points behind former teammate Brandon Triche. During his time at SU, Fair's Orange teams have compiled a 117-24 record.

As Fair prepared for his final game in the Carrier Dome tonight vs. Georgia Tech, he mused about his fondest Syracuse memories, the genesis of his signature headband, his chances to win the ACC's player of the year award, his quest for an NBA career and the 8th grade crush who became his long-time girlfriend.

Fair made his unique imprint on Syracuse basketball with his work ethic, his toughness, his stoic desire to win basketball games. His parents, Carl Fair and Trina Bennett, have watched plenty of games over the course of his Orange career.

Can you believe this is going to be your final home game?

Fair: I know. It went by fast. I'm going to miss playing here at the Dome. I knew this day was going to come so I'm trying to prepare myself.

What's the most memorable thing that's happened in your four years here?

Fair: When we beat Marquette to go to the Final Four. That was a great experience. Just going through the whole process — cutting down the nets, knowing you're going to the Final Four, it was huge to be part of.

Well, you've won a lot of games here. Does it seem like a pretty prosperous four years?

Fair: I think so. Not too many guys go to college at this level and have as many wins as we have here

You came into this season wanting to prove that you're the best player in the ACC. How do you think you've progressed on that plan?

Fair: I think I've played good this ACC season. I had some up-and-down games, but overall we've been winning. As far as my individual play, I think I should be a contender for it.

Who's your biggest competition?

C.J. Fair raises his hand after making a shot while being fouled in the second half of the Orange's game against Duke on Feb. 1, 2014, at the Carrier Dome.Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

Fair: I know Jabari Parker has been playing well this year, T.J. Warren, K.J. McDaniels, Lamar Patterson. I don't know how it's being rated.

Do you want to win?

Fair: Definitely. I'd be honored to receive the award.

Do you feel as if you've shouldered a lot of the burden this year to score?

Fair: I don't feel a burden. When your coach wants you to score, that's something you like. But it's not so simple as 'I want to score.' Sometimes you have off nights and that can be frustrating.

I think people consider you to be a level-headed guy. Tell me one crazy thing about you, something people would be surprised to hear.

Fair: That's crazy? Ummmm. I don't know. I want to say something but I don't want it to be perceived the wrong way. Growing up, football was my favorite sport. I was just better in basketball. And kinda to this day I almost like football more. If I was equally good at both sports, I think I probably would have picked football. But I love playing basketball. It's something I want to make my career.

When did you decide to pick basketball?

Fair: Going to high school. My father wanted me to take a break from a sport. So I decided to take a break from football. Haven't played it since. I wanted to play in high school, but I didn't want to jeopardize my chances in basketball.

How big of an influence has your dad been on your life?

Fair: He's definitely been a big influence. He's a big sports guy. His first sport is football. And he kind of didn't take advantage of his chances in football and he always wanted me to learn my lesson through him and not make the same mistakes he did.

What were his mistakes?

Fair: Not going to high school a lot. Hanging around with the wrong people. He always instilled in me: "You gotta do what you gotta do to do what you want to do." That's something that always stuck with me.

Have your parents been to every game this year?

Fair: They've been to a lot. Sometimes they can't make the weekday games. It's nice to see them at the games. My parents — I hear them through all the noise. There could be a whole Dome of fans and I hear my parents.

It seems like your dad was the disciplinarian, you mom was the sweet, nice mom. Is that how it went?

Fair: That's how it was. My mom tried to be a disciplinarian, but she couldn't be that serious for a long time. My mom wasn't always big on sports. She'd take me to practice and games but she never knew what was going on. But once she got the hang of it when I was in high school, she went to every game. My parents now go to my games and drive home and watch it again on the DVR.

What's your sibling situation?

Fair: I got one little sister. She's five years younger than me. Her name is Simone. She's plays volleyball and softball. She's very smart. She graduated early so now she's only taking one class. The day after we played St. John's, she got accepted there. She hasn't picked a college yet.

You've talked about making basketball your career. What are your thoughts at this point about your chances to play in the NBA?

Fair: I believe that I will make a career in the NBA. I truly believe that wherever I go, I will have a long career in the NBA. My game and the kind of person I am, I think I can adapt to anybody. They want to have good players who are good people. Coaches don't want to deal with headaches and I'm not the type of player who will bring any drama. So I think that will help me. And I think my game also will get me there.

In terms of your skills, you're not shooting the 3-ball that well this year. Is that something you're going to have to improve?

C.J.Fair makes a big 3- pointer late in the Orange's game against Temple on Dec. 22, 2012, at Madison Square Garden. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

Fair: After the season, I know I'm going to be questioned about that a lot. But I think when I have the workouts, I will show that I can shoot the 3-ball. A couple games I had off-nights and that hurt me.

You've been a quietly confident guy your whole career here at Syracuse, don't you think?

Fair: I've always been confident in myself. That's how I was growing up. Just playing with my friends. Nothing was easy. Everyone wanted to be known as the best player. That's how I became competitive. You play at the playground and the older guys, everybody's trying to embarrass everybody.

You were obviously a big Carmelo fan. Did you pattern your game after him?

Fair: I always liked Carmelo's game. He had a sweet mid-range game. I always thought I would be the person who could knock down the mid-range jumper. Making plays from there, that's where I kind of expanded my game this year. I'd look at Carmelo to see how he'd get separation for his shot or make a move. Sometimes I'd try to implement that myself.

So you wear the headband only in games. Why not in practice?

Fair: I don't know. I never wear them during practices. I started wearing them in games my senior year (high school) and it kind of stuck with me. I just liked the look. And I kept wearing them.

How many headbands have you flung into the stands after games in the course of your Syracuse career?

Fair: I wear a new headband every game, so … Sometimes at away games, I don't throw them into the stands. At Maryland, I did.

You've said the best memory of your Syracuse career is the Final Four trip. Is there anything non-basketball related that you will take from here?

Fair: When I first came to Syracuse and was moving in, the first person I met was Derrick Coleman. That was big to me, just talking to him that day. Since then, we've been having a close bond. I just appreciate everything that he's done to mentor me.

Syracuse's C.J.Fair gets a hug and a kiss from girlfriend Kimberly Hailey after the Orange's defeat of Marquette in the Elite Eight on March 30, 2013, in Washington.Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

So you've been dating the same girl for a long time. Tell me about your relationship:

Fair: Her name is Kimberly Hailey. We met in eighth grade. I had transferred to a Catholic school. I was always attracted to her. Her locker was right by my desk, so she used to walk by me every day. I was young, I used to say little funny stuff just to get her attention. We didn't really talk that whole year. After we graduated, I called her. I was scared to talk to her, really. But then we started talking, as just friends. We went to different high schools and didn't start officially dating til 11th grade year. Then I decided to leave my senior year for Brewster. I didn't want to leave my hometown or leave her. We made it work and got really close. When I'd come home, I'd spend more time with her than my family. She decided to go to Maryland and I had already committed to Syracuse. We've made it work these four years. She's very smart. She keeps me on my toes.